It was a day that will linger in the memory of cricket fans for its sheer intensity, drama, and subtle shifts of momentum. The opening day of the Test at the Gabba resembled a furnace, the heat almost tangible, with the pink ball zipping relentlessly from Mitchell Starc’s arm and pressure mounting on the visiting English team at every turn. From the outset, it was clear this was not going to be a stroll for England; Starc’s pace and bounce threatened to dominate, yet the day would end with a remarkable turn of events, thanks to the grit and artistry of Joe Root.
By 8:38 pm local time, a wave of relief and joy swept over England’s camp as Root tickled Scott Boland fine for four, completing his 40th Test century. More importantly, this was his first century on Australian soil, achieved after 30 attempts—a milestone Root himself insisted was never the primary goal of this tour. With a characteristic shrug and quiet satisfaction, Root’s achievement symbolized more than a personal triumph; it represented England’s fragile foothold against a dominant Australian attack.
The significance of Root’s innings was amplified by the continued brilliance of Starc, who had already claimed six for 71 in the match. England’s early struggles suggested that this Ashes clash might be derailed before it had even taken shape. By stumps, England had reached 325 for nine from 74 overs, with Root unbeaten on 135. The innings provided a much-needed counterbalance to a series that had seen England repeatedly struggle under Australian aggression since Perth.
A key factor in England’s late surge was the unbroken 10th-wicket partnership, which added 61 vital runs. Jofra Archer’s cameo of two towering sixes and a crisp four, finishing 32 not out, helped ease the tension, transferring momentum back to England. What had begun as a day dominated by Starc’s relentless assault evolved into a more complex contest, a battle of patience, technique, and nerve.
Root was at the center of this transformation, showcasing his full repertoire of strokes, including his audacious reverse scoop off Boland. The shot, sending a flash of pink over third man, drew audible frustration from the Australian spectators—a rare moment when the Gabba crowd let their displeasure be heard. It was a fitting exclamation point on an innings that had absorbed three sessions and 202 deliveries, blending caution with calculated aggression.
The early proceedings were far from comfortable for England. Root walked in when the score was five for two, following the dismissals of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, both victims of Starc’s pace and bounce. The English side had endured four ducks on the day, and an early missed opportunity by Steve Smith at slip could have ended Root’s innings before it had begun. Had Smith held onto the edge on two, diving to his left, the narrative of this opening day could have been starkly different.
Zak Crawley’s contribution was another bright spot, compiling 76 runs from 93 balls. He stitched together a partnership of 117 runs with Root for the third wicket, demonstrating composure and precise shot selection. Eleven crisp boundaries punctuated Crawley’s innings, signaling a welcome turnaround after a disappointing start to the series. His dismissal—an under-edged pull off a short ball—was a minor setback in what had otherwise been a promising display.
Australia’s strategic decisions were notable as well. Pat Cummins, despite pre-match hints, did not take the field, and Nathan Lyon was benched for the first time at home in nearly 14 years. With Josh Hazlewood still unavailable and Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett forming a less threatening supporting cast, Australia appeared to leave England a window to capitalize—one that the visitors cautiously, but effectively, began to exploit.
Harry Brook’s dismissal to Starc, caught in a wild drive early in the bowler’s twilight spell, was a blow for England. Starc, claiming his 415th Test wicket, surpassed Wasim Akram as the leading left-arm seamer in Test cricket—a historic milestone. Yet, Brook’s reckless shot served as a reminder of the high-risk nature of the conditions and the challenges England faced navigating the Gabba’s pace and bounce.
Ben Stokes, partnering with Root during the most difficult periods of the day, helped England navigate 196 for four by the second interval. The duo spent over an hour negotiating challenging visibility conditions, only for a misjudged single and a sharp pick-up by Josh Inglis at point to unsettle the team briefly. When Jamie Smith fell for a second-ball duck, England’s position at 211 for six appeared precarious.
It was the lower order, however, that provided the final flourish. Will Jacks, coming in at number eight, partnered with Root for a valuable 40-run stand, adding stability and confidence to the innings. A few questionable shots aside, Root’s composure under pressure never wavered, and the innings evolved into a masterclass of patience, timing, and shot selection.
Starc’s brilliance remained undiminished, capturing his second five-wicket haul of the series, while Alex Carey impressed with a wicketkeeping display capped by a stunning catch off Gus Atkinson. Nevertheless, the narrative of the day belonged to Joe Root. After three tours of frustration in Australia, he finally broke through, demonstrating the full spectrum of his batting abilities—measured defense, inventive strokes, and relentless focus.
The respect between great players was evident when Steve Smith was the first to shake Root’s hand following the innings. Smith’s earlier missed chance at slip remained a pivotal moment, yet the gesture reflected mutual recognition of mastery. For Root, this was a day of redemption, a statement of intent, and a landmark in his illustrious career—one that provided England with a tangible advantage heading into the next stage of the Ashes series.
